Portable inflatable fencing for amusements

ABSTRACT

An embodiment is a lightweight and portable inflatable fencing system that is inflated by forced air through its adjustable air tube connectivity to an inflatable amusement by the use of a plurality of intertwined and adjustable vinyl extensions. A further embodiment is a finished fence that is relatively rectangular in shape; combining top and bottom rails with a number of vertical stiles, with lightweight infill panels; and is one piece in construction. When it is not required, the connectors on the amusement can be concealed within the inflatable and sealed air tight and both the fence and enclosure can be packed away without any further dismantling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the art of crowd control barriers, commonly called fencing. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to fencing that surrounds the front of the field of play, being the entry and exit of an inflatable amusement; however, the operation and internal structure of this fence is completely inflatable and constructed using a substantially vinyl material and operated using a unique intertwined connector to gain the air supply from the enclosure it is joined to.

2. Description of the Prior and Related Art

A fencing system in it's Prior Art for an amusement has been a cumbersome system. There needed to be six to eight 2400 mm (94.5 in.) long by 1200 mm (47.2 in.) tall metal panels of fencing, and a multitude of fittings and usually metal in construction taken out with an inflatable amusment. This needed a specialist delivery vehicle and a different type of person that could also install such fencing. This invention brings together the Art of Portable Fencing and the Art of Inflatable Amusements to bring together a formation that allows both to work concurrently with each other.

Also in the related Prior Art, inflatable amusements have amused and entertained young and old persons alike. The typical inflatable amusement is a large, flexible air-filled structure taking on a variety of shapes such as a castle, a slide, an obstacle course, and the like. Most inflatable amusements have at least one air-filled horizontal mattress interconnected to a number of inflated walls upon which people, typically children, can jump, bounce and rebound. The air-filled jumping surface and jumping walls typically provide spring back making trampoline-type play possible, such that users can jump, bounce and rebound to higher heights than normal. The inflatable amusements are usually large enough for multiple persons to use at the same time. In some instances, the inflatable amusements can be four (4) metres (13.1 ft.) high and up to six (30) metres (98.4 ft.) wide. Furthermore, since the inflatable structures are filled with air and the surfaces are relatively soft, users can fall, bounce and play on the inflatable mattress with little fear of injury. Hence, the inflatable amusements provide a great deal of safe entertainment especially for young children when they are containered within such amusement.

The amusement when operated within a back yard for a private party or function is able to be supervised by an adult attendant which is usually the parent relativley easy and they can contain and restrain users as they enter and exit the area in front commonly called the field of play without fear of overcrowding or without the use of fencing. However in a larger function, party or event where the public at large are in attendance, then the crowds and the users can be overwhelming to such attendant looking after the amusement and poses a direct hazard and safety issue for the safe opperation of the device.

In an effort for amusements to have a safer and more reliable system of fencing and barracading and to allow it to be portable and painless to install and remove; a change to the way this is done has now been designed with the invention of the Portable Inflatable Fencing and its connection system to any inflatable amusement.

Within the Prior Art there exists several Inflatable Structures that incorporate the system of having air being used to operate an inflatable barricade and one example is UK Patent Number GB2411423A which is an example of an Inflatable flood defense barrier which when connected to the ground and by use of an air blower will stop water running into a property when inflated during times of flooding. A further such example in the Prior Art of amusement fencing is U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,833 and in part U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,099 which shows amusement barricades that are the current Art for any amusement operation however very cumbersome in structure and built with either alloy or steel thus making it non-user friendly for installation and prone to accidents against the fence and not as easily transportable. Also in the Prior Art of Portable and Lightweight fencing there exists portable fencing such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,414 or AU Patent 81709/91 that is easy to use and easy to transport system of fencing that can be moved around simply however still having a multitude of pieces and parts that make up the regular construction. Also in the Prior Art of Inflatable Connectors their exists a connector that joins two inflatables together in US Publication number 2005/0017483 and this uses a part vinyl and part plastic connector to join two inflatable structures.

While the above mentioned devices fulfill their respective, particular objective and requirements, the patents do not describe a Portable Inflatable Fencing System to enable users to easily transport, install and operate by air for use in the purpose operation of inflatable amusements.

The Prior Art does not show an inflatable fencing for an amusement that is connected to the inflatable amusement enclosure, where the exit and entry area commonly called the field of play is now separated from the public at large to allow safer operation to both the attendant and the users.

Further and other objects of this invention will become apparent to a person skilled in the Art from the following summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is a portable and inflatable crowd control barrier used in the front of inflatable amusements entry and exit point; commonly called the field of play and it is connected directly to the inflatable amusement enclosure in which it receives the air that keeps it rigid and operational. A further embodiment of the invention is to have a lightweight and Portable Inflatable Fence that surrounds the front, namely called the field of play, of an inflatable amusement enclosure for the purpose of crowd control that allows simple and easy construction and be totally inflatable using a connector and sourcing such air directly from the inflatable amusement source. An inflatable enclosure is a complete inflatable that has a floor bound by walls and in turn is the centre of the field of play, commonly known as a jumping castle, bouncy castle, inflatable game or an inflatable amusement. A blower is usually an air blower (fan) usually connected on the outside that connects to electricity that blows air inside the walls and floor of an inflatable enclosure, to keep it pressurized. Inflatable fencing allows a portable fence to be erected to separate users on an inflatable amusement from the public. Users are typically kids that play inside and throughout the inflatable enclosure and its field of play. An attendant is a person who manages the children on an amusement.

There has thus been outlined in the paragraph above, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention and in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art be better appreciated there are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appendixed herein.

It is an embodiment of the invention that inflatable fencing has the ability to contain and separate the entry and exit section of an amusement from the general public typically found at the front of the field of play of an inflatable amusement.

It is yet a further embodiment of the invention that the wall heights are high enough to contain users and act as a barrier which inhibits any thoroughfare, over or under the fence.

It is yet another embodiment of the invention that the entire fence system is free standing and self supportive.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention that the fence is installed as a one piece system and can be installed and set-up by anyone with simple instructions.

It is an object of the invention that the fencing can be installed with no tools or special requirements, other then its easy attachment to the inflatable enclosure.

It is an object of the invention that the fencing system is sealed using a combination of stitching, chemical gluing and welding to restrict any air pressure loss out of the inflatable amusement and keeps the fence very solid.

It is an object of the invention that the entrance through the inflatable fence be achieved through an intertwined inflatable doorway.

It is an embodiment of the object that the doorway is built as such to have a height level to only invite users of the right age or height.

It is a further embodiment of the object that the gate used to open and close the fence in which to allow users to enter and exit is also inflatable and gives easy simple access for the attendant to let the users enter and exit without any need for traditional locking mechanisms by way of a horizontal intertwined inflatable bar.

It is an object of the invention that the fence is generally rectangular in configuration and is a containment of 3 sides and that the fence is adjustable to the inflatable amusement it is being connected to.

It is an embodiment of the object to fully contain and seal off the field of play by joining the fence to either side of the actual inflatable enclosure by use of vinyl adjustable and intertwined extension panels that allow it to attach to the standard range and sizes of inflatable amusements using a plurality of hook and loop (commonly called VELCRO™)

In yet another object of the invention that the air being forced into the inflatable fence originates from the Inflatable amusement which is being constantly forced in by the blower using an intertwined and inflatable vinyl connector.

In an embodiment of the object that this air connection joining the inflatable fence with the inflatable enclosure is achieved using an adaptable and easy to use system, that requires no special instructions, fittings, tools or knowledge.

In yet a further embodiment of the object that the connection can be retrofitted to any inflatable amusement that has not had the inflatable fencing connection built onto the enclosure from original manufacturing by way of chemical gluing.

In still another embodiment of the object that the air connection joins using a combination of one full radial zipper and then sealed completely with a hook and loop (commonly called Velcro™) flap system.

In yet still another embodiment of the object that this connection be securely sealed and any minor air loss will not affect the air pressure of the inflatable enclosure during full operation.

In yet still a further embodiment of the object that the air connecting adapters be made up of a substantially vinyl-type material or the like that can be rolled away inside with the enclosure or the fencing without being removed.

In yet another embodiment of the object that this connection tube coming from the inflatable fence is adjustable in length but still remains in one piece to allow it to attach to the standard range of sizes of inflatable amusements commonly built.

It is still a further embodiment of the object that the connecter on the inflatable enclosure can be sealed off and inserted inside when the fencing is not being attached to the game and covered over and sealed using an intertwined vinyl based flap on the outside of the enclosure wall to allow an unnoticed connection.

It is still another object of the invention that the fence is invented to be a manageable weight for any installer; male or female and pleasing to the eye as a visual medium.

In another embodiment of the object that the vinyl based materials used preferably comprise ultra-violet inhibitors.

In yet another embodiment of the object that the vinyl based material used preferably comprise a water retarding additive and is fire retardant.

In still another embodiment of the object that the fence consists of a top and bottom rail with an intertwined plurality of vertical stiles constructed from a vinyl type fabric.

Yet still a further embodiment of the object that the fence to be built robust enough to withstand the usual force of users waiting to use the amusement.

It is still another embodiment of the object that the inflatable fence can have lightweight infill panels of vinyl, netting or the like to further decrease the weight.

Yet a further embodiment of the object that the fence can have a floor sewn into it to further allow it to contain its shape more consistently when being used.

It is still another embodiment of the object that there be advertising space available by adapting a multitude of hook and loop attaching systems on the outside for the promotion of such event.

It is an object of the invention that the fence has a number of safety pockets on the inside for the attendant to put their belongings or tools for operating an amusement such as a fire extinguisher and first aid kit without fear of misuse.

It is an object of the invention that the inflatable has its own standard blower inlet tube that allows the fence to be operational without such use of the enclosure for cleaning and inspection purposes.

It is an object of the invention that the addition of the fence does not decrease the air pressure when tested now and in the future below acceptable manufacturing and inspection levels.

It is an embodiment of the object that the attachment of the fence is controlled so that it does not affect the pressure within the inflatable structure when the maximum amount of users are in the enclosure.

In still a further embodiment of the object that the fence is to have a number of air quick-release intertwined flaps to allow the fence to be dismantle in minutes

It is an object of the invention that the anchor points for the tie down of the portable fencing be concealed inside the base of the fence as not to allow and accidents from the outside.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective elevated view of a Prior Art fencing system used on a typical Inflatable enclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective elevated view of the portable inflatable fencing invention surrounding a typical inflatable enclosure.

FIG. 3 Is a perspective elevated view of the inflatable fencing showing its one piece construction design with the inflatable gate and air connection tube and the vinyl adjustable and intertwined extension support panels that connect to the enclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective close up view of the two connectors that come from the inflatable fencing and attaches to the enclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fence connector from the right side of enclosure.

FIG. 6 Is a perspective and close-up cross sectional view of the fence attachment that is on the right hand side of the enclosure wall.

FIG. 7 is a perspective and close-up cross sectional view of the inflatable connector and fence support attachment that comes out of the enclosure on the left hand side wall of the enclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective left side view of the attachments that are connected to the enclosure that allows the attachment of the fencing and also the air transfer connector.

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross section view of the fence and enclosure with the air connection placement against the fence.

FIG. 10 is a perspective close up view of the air connection and vinyl adjustable support panels from the fence to the left hand side of the enclosure wall.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to figure FIG. 1 it depicts a typical Prior Art fencing system 110 which is made up of regular 2400 mm (94.5 in.) panels of steel fencing which in itself is a user hazard that rigidly wraps around the inflatable enclosure 100 and also the field of play 120 which needs special vehicular requirements to take such fencing on site where it will sit on the ground using a series of anchors and brackets.

Now referring to FIG. 2 it shows a typical amusement enclosure 100 with the portable inflatable fencing 130 invention wrapped around a typical enclosure and the field of play 120.

Now referring to FIG. 3. it shows the inflatable fencing 130 by itself. The elevated view gives good view of the unique and novel areas of the invention and one of which is the one piece construction using a plurality of intertwined inflatable vinyl rails and vertical stiles and a number of lightweight infill panels 180 and the air inlet 140 that receives the air from the enclosure and the vinyl adjustable support extensions 150 that hold the fence upright and the gateway 170 which allows easy access and use by the attendant while operating the amusement and finally showing the direct blower inlet 160 that can be used in times of cleaning or drying out without the use of the inflatable enclosure.

Now referring to FIG. 4 this shows a close-up cross-section of the attachments that make the inflatable fence usable by way of an adjustable vinyl extension tube 140 that has a combination of 2 full radial zippers 180, which allows for different adjustment lengths and the hook and loop 190 which connects and seals the zipper to stop any minor air loss from the enclosure while the vinyl adjustable support extensions 150 that support the fence upright comprises of a series of adjustable hook and loop flaps 200 that connect to the enclosure and allow it to be retrofitted to the most common sizes of inflatable games.

Now referring to FIG. 5 it shows the side view from the right hand side wall 210 where the Hook and Loop connector flaps 220 gives support to the inflatable fence. Both items are connected using a plurality of intertwined vinyl flaps and a hook and loop method of attachment.

Now referring to FIG. 6 it shows the right hand side wall 210 and the connection as described in FIG. 5 that is needed to allow the fencing 130 and the enclosure 100 to join and stay supportive. As shown in 220 the intertwined flap is now open whereas in FIG. 5 it was shown closed. This flap system then connects to the extension panels 150 from the fence and a series of hook and loop 200 anchors it securely.

Now referring to FIG. 7 it shows the left hand side 250 of the enclosure as shown in FIG. 8 that has the connection 220 the same as FIG. 6 however it also has the air connector 240 which allows the air to be conveyed from the enclosure to the fence 130. This close-up shows the flap 230 that closes up over and after the connector 240 has been pushed inside the enclosure when the fence is not in use to seal off the connection.

Now referring to FIG. 8 it shows the left hand side wall with the location of the fence support connector 220 and also the air joiner flap 260 which sits over the connector 240.

Now referring to FIG. 9 it shows the inflatable fence 130 in position around the inflatable enclosure 100 and the field of play and the cross section of the left hand side giving more detail on the fence support connector 230 and the air connector 240 and the closing door flap 260.

Now referring to FIG. 10 this is the close up of the actual air connection and the plurality of intertwined vinyl and flaps that gives this connection and invention its workable finish. The fence 130 has an extension inflatable tube 140 with 2 full radial zippers 180 that can adjust to attach to the outlet tube 240 on the enclosure wall 250 and once zippered together a sealing hook and loop flap 190 seals it completely while the vinyl adjustable support extensions flap 150 connects to the enclosure using an intertwined pair of flaps 230 and that to is adjustable by adjusting to the second flap 200 to fit the standard sizes of inflatable amusements.

While the forgoing provides a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that this description is illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not limitative. Furthermore as many changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all material contained herein be interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not limiting in the sense. 

1. An inflatable fencing system for connection to an inflatable structure, the fencing system comprising: a first inflatable rail; a second inflatable rail; a stile connected to the first rail and the second rail; wherein the first rail, the second rail, and the stile form a fence; and an air inlet member disposed on the fence, wherein the air inlet member is configured to receive air from the inflatable structure.
 2. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stile is generally vertical.
 3. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the air inlet member is configured as a tube.
 4. The fencing system as claimed in claim 3 wherein a length of the tube is extendible.
 5. The fencing system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the tube has at least one radial zipper to permit extending the length of the tube.
 6. The fencing system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the tube has a second radial zipper.
 7. The fencing system as claimed in claim 5 further comprising: a flap extending from the tube configured to cover the radial zipper.
 8. The fencing system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the flap is configured to be secured with a hook and loop fastener.
 9. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a panel disposed between the first rail and the second rail.
 10. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a support member extending from the fencing system for connection to the inflatable structure, wherein the support member aids in keeping the fencing system upright.
 11. The fencing system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the support member is a vinyl flap.
 12. The fencing system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the support member is configured to use a hook and loop fastener to connect to the inflatable structure.
 13. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a gateway that allows for passage through the fence.
 14. The fencing system as claimed in claim 13 further comprising: a gate attached to the gateway.
 15. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a direct blower inlet member for inflating the fence without the use of the inflatable structure.
 16. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inflatable structure is an inflatable amusement.
 17. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fence is configured to be free standing without the aid of the inflatable structure.
 18. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: at least one pocket configured to receive an item.
 19. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: at least one air release flap.
 20. The fencing system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a floor connected to the fence. 